What is NFCS?

Welcome to the web-page of National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS). NFCS is a state financed civil society fund established in 2008 by Estonian Ministry of the Interior. Our aim is to build the capacity of Estonian CSOs and shape an environment that fosters civic action.

NFCS turned 15 this year

In the 90s, after the restoration of independence, funding for Estonian CSOs mostly came from the west. State funding was scarce and not for capacity building. By the end of 90s Estonia was evaluated as a democratic country and foreign support to our CSOs came largely to an end. The need to develop national measures for civil society growth emerged.

In 2002 the Estonian Civil Society Development Concept was devised, stating future goals, principles of cooperation and roles of public sector and CSOs. Establishing a national foundation was then proposed. From its launch in 2008, NFCS has been the major organisation to carry out Estonian Civil Society Development Concept and the more precise 5-year governing documents – Civil Society Development Plans.

We welcome you to navigate

We welcome you to navigate in the page menu up above to find out more about our different activities and what we can offer in terms of international cooperation, or read more about the foundation check the info in the menu above.